Maddy summaryHB 172 would require Mississippi to allocate state funds under the Student Funding Formula to hire elementary school counselors, prioritizing school districts with the highest documented needs (based on low accreditation, crime rates, free lunch participation, and dropout rates). It mandates that every elementary school must have at least one state-funded counselor by 2026-2027, maintaining a 1:500 counselor-to-student ratio, with counselors required to hold a Master's in counseling and spend 80% of their time directly serving students. The bill also authorizes the State Department of Education to hire a supervisor for school counselors and sets qualifications for the role. The bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and did not become law.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 21 revises Mississippi's process for appointing municipal election commissioners. It sets population-based commissioner counts (3, 5, or 7), requires appointments at least one year before elections, and mandates that appointees submit a signed acceptance letter to the Secretary of State. Commissioners must also complete training and a skills assessment. The bill allows municipalities to contract with county election commissions to handle local election duties instead of appointing their own commissioners. The bill died in committee in February 2026 and did not become law.
Maddy summaryHB 46 requires Mississippi public school boards to create and implement age-appropriate policies banning cell phone use during all school hours ("bell-to-bell"), including classrooms and hallways. The bill mandates that elementary students (K-5) cannot have devices inside school buildings or on grounds, while middle school students (6-8) must store devices off during school hours. It prohibits suspensions or expulsions for violations and requires schools to use school-based communication tools for emergencies instead of student phones. The policy also specifies exceptions for students with health needs under special education plans.
Maddy summaryHB 159 would provide state funding for additional assistant teachers in kindergarten through third grade within Mississippi's lowest-performing "C," "D," and "F" school districts. The bill requires districts to hire assistant teachers with at least a high school diploma, sets a $17,000 annual minimum salary, and mandates reading improvement plans and annual program evaluations. Districts could alternatively use the funds to hire licensed teachers if it reduced student-teacher ratios in grades K-3, but could not replace assistant teachers solely to use the funding for licensed staff. The bill also requires districts to submit specific accountability plans and training programs for staff. (Note: The bill died in committee in February 2026.)
Maddy summaryHB 195 would have required Mississippi school districts to hold at least one mandatory parent meeting 30 days before each school year begins, covering academic goals, policies, and safety procedures. Parents or guardians would need to attend (or use videoconference options) and sign in, with districts offering make-up meetings. Non-attendance could result in a $100 fine, though exemptions exist for hardship cases, and collected fines would fund parental engagement programs. The bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, so it never became law and has no current effect.
Maddy summaryHB 183 would allow Mississippi school districts with low accountability ratings (D or F) to create summer programs for rising 10th graders (students who completed 9th grade). The program must include three required parts: soft skills training (like teamwork and time management), personal living skills (covering job applications and budgeting), and academic planning for college or careers. Students who complete the program would receive a certificate, and districts may offer stipends if funding is available. The bill allocates $2 million for this initiative, requiring districts to collaborate with local communities or junior colleges to design the programs.
Maddy summaryHB 35 creates a 3-year pilot program in Sunflower and Jones counties to provide cash assistance to pregnant women facing acute economic hardship during pregnancy and for 12 months after birth. It offers $1,500 in prenatal payments (in three $500 installments) and $500 monthly for the infant’s first year, funded through a mix of public (using TANF for Medicaid-covered cases) and private sources. The program ensures these payments are excluded from income calculations for other benefits like Medicaid or SNAP, and requires the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) to track health outcomes - including prenatal care rates, preterm births, and NICU admissions - over the pilot period. This is a targeted economic support initiative, not a broad policy change.
Maddy summaryHB 178 would redirect unspent Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds from the previous fiscal year to cover education costs for individuals enrolled in nursing education programs as part of workforce training. It would also pay for child care expenses for these individuals while they are studying. The bill applies specifically to TANF recipients pursuing nursing education, using existing unspent funds rather than new appropriations. This policy change aims to support workforce development in nursing by reducing financial barriers for participants.
Maddy summaryHB 81 would extend the hours for in-person absentee voting by requiring Mississippi registrar offices to remain open until 5:00 p.m. on the two Saturdays immediately before each election. This change directly affects voters who choose to cast absentee ballots in person at their county registrar's office, rather than by mail. The bill amends existing law to standardize the closing time for these in-person absentee voting sessions across all election types. It does not alter mail-in ballot rules or deadlines for absentee ballots received by mail.
Maddy summaryHB 175 authorizes Mississippi counties and municipalities to create summer youth work programs that connect high school students (ages 16-19) with community-based jobs. Local governments must compile and share a detailed list of available positions - such as park maintenance, youth programs, or nonprofit roles - with schools and online by March 1 each year, including job duties, hours, minimum wage pay, and safety requirements. Eligible students must not have graduated, have serious criminal charges (excluding minor traffic violations), and programs must prioritize applicants from financially needy households if demand exceeds available positions. The bill allows local governments to use public or private funding to cover program administration and student wages, while requiring parental consent and liability waivers for participants. Its goal is to provide meaningful summer employment that reduces idle time and supports youth development in local communities.